Events in Niigata

People-Throwing and Ash-Smearing Festival

Watch men get tossed into snow and behold the messy ash-smearing chaos.

Tsunan Snow Festival

Sky lanterns light up the night, snowboarders take on epic jumps, and local food stalls bring Niigata’s snow country to life at the Tsunan Snow Festival.

Hodare “Penis Festival”

On the second Sunday of March, a 2.2 meter tall phallic-shaped statue that weighs approximately 600kg is paraded around a small village in Niigata.

Lake Nojiri Fireworks Festival

This lesser-known festival of fireworks features a unique setting.

Naoetsu Gion Festival

In July each year, there are a number of Gion festivals that happen throughout Japan (the most famous of which happens in Kyoto). This one happens in Joetsu City in Niigata. What happens? The …

Nagaoka Fireworks Festival

Get ready for fireworks, float parades, and folk dance processions.

Earth Celebration

Head to Sado Island for a celebration of the Earth and its shades of beauty.

Katakai Fireworks Festival

Experience the world’s largest firework and over 15,000 fireworks lighting up the sky across two spectacular nights.